Get Tornado-Safe with Strong FEMA Recommended Shelters
Tornadoes are natural disasters that can occur anytime and anywhere, making it essential for people to have a plan in an emergency. One way to ensure the safety of individuals and families during a tornado is to have a storm shelter. A safe room can protect against strong winds, flying debris and other hazards associated with a tornado.
We know you are all ears to explore the benefits of FEMA approval for tornado shelters, guidelines for designing shelters, building a tornado-safe room with FEMA standards and the key to residential safe room design. So, no more waiting now!
What Are the Benefits of FEMA Approval for Tornado Shelters?
FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides safe room construction and design guidelines.
FEMA approval means a safe room meets the minimum standards for protection against high winds and flying debris associated with tornadoes.
It also ensures the safe room is appropriately anchored and constructed with quality materials.
A FEMA-approved safe room provides peace of mind for homeowners and occupants during a tornado. It is also essential for insurance purposes, as some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with FEMA-approved safe rooms.
Know the Guidelines for Designing Shelters
Designing a safe room requires careful consideration of several factors, including location, size and materials. The location of the safe room should be easily accessible and on the ground floor of a home or building. It should also be away from windows, doors and outside walls. The size of the safe room depends on the number of people it will accommodate and it should have at least six square feet of floor space per person.
The materials used for safe room construction should be solid and durable, capable of withstanding high winds and flying debris. Some known materials for safe room construction include reinforced concrete, steel and masonry. The safe room should also have a secure door that can withstand high winds and debris impact.
Build a Tornado Safe Room with FEMA Standards
Building a safe room with FEMA standards requires careful planning and attention to detail. The safe room must meet the minimum wind and debris impact resistance standards, as FEMA specified. The safe room's walls, roof and foundation must get anchored to resist uplift and overturning forces.
Check for the safe room door to see if it has the proper security with heavy-duty hinges and locking mechanisms. In addition, the safe room should have proper ventilation and a means of communication, such as a phone or radio.
What Is the Key to Residential Safe Room Design?
The key to residential safe room design is:
To ensure it is convenient and accessible to occupants.
The location of a safe room should be on the ground floor of a home or building.
It should be easily accessible to all occupants, including those with disabilities.
A strong tornado shelter should blend in with the surrounding environment so it does not detract from the overall aesthetics of the home or building.
Get Protected against Flying Debris
One of the biggest dangers associated with tornadoes is flying debris. High winds can pick up and propel objects at high speeds, causing significant damage to homes and buildings. A safe room should protect occupants against flying debris.
Construction of the walls and roof of the safe room should include reinforced materials capable of withstanding the impact of flying debris. As mentioned earlier, the safe room door must resist debris impact and provide proper security with heavy-duty hinges and locking mechanisms.
Storm Shelters Must Resist Uplift & Overturning
Uplift and overturning forces are common during tornadoes and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. Attachment of the foundation should be to the ground with reinforced concrete footings or steel anchors and the walls and roof of the safe room must be anchored to the foundation. A durable tornado shelter must resist lateral forces, such as those caused by high winds.
In addition, the safe room should be tested and certified by a reputable organization to ensure that it meets the minimum wind and debris impact resistance standards. It will ensure that the safe room will protect occupants during a tornado.
EF5 Tornado Shelters: Protect Your Family and Home Today!
Are you prepared for a tornado? Don't leave the safety of your family and home to chance. EF5 Tornado Shelters offer high-quality, safe rooms that meet the minimum standards for wind and debris impact resistance, providing ultimate protection during a tornado.
With our expert design and construction services, we can help you build a safe room that blends in with the aesthetics of your home or building while providing you with the ultimate protection. Don't wait until it's too late. Contact us today to learn more about our tornado shelters in Edmond and how we can help protect your family and home.